Air-brake system.



PATENTED JULY 26, 1904.

W. WILLIAMS. AIR BRAKE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 24, 190s.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED JULY 26, 1904.

W. WILLIAMS.

AIR BRAKE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAIL. 24, 1903.

3 SHEBTB-BHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

PATENTED JULY 26, 1904.

w., WILLIAMS. AIR BRAKE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAB. 24, 1903.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

N0 MODEL.

nuanto i u m S l ..l In @5% Vilnius: a

EtNrren STA-res Patented July 26, 1904.

Ammer @etica itl.

AIR-BRAKE SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 766,088, dated July 26, 1904.

, Marel; 24, 1903.

Serial No. 149,365. ANo model.)

ful Improvements in Air-Brake Systems, et'

and a secondary valve operative to open posiwhich the following is a specitcation.

This invention relates to an air-brake system ot that class known as "direct "stra1ght an', and embodies pneumaticallycontrolled means `for etl'ecting' the prompt application and release ot' brakes by an engineer, conductor, or other trainman.

ln order that the results sought may be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art, it may be well to state by way ot' premise that the adoption ot' the present indirect7 system ot air-brakes, depending upon the escape ot' air from the train-line to el'ect the application ot' brakes, was necessary principally tor the reason that etl'orts made to obtain a prompt application and release ot' the brakes in straight-air systems wherein the pressure in the train-pipe was utilized te ett'ect the application ot the brakes were unsuccessful. The direct or straight-air system is simpler than the indirect s vstem and is more reliable in action: but the lack ot' eti'ective provision t'or the prompt release of the brakes has led to the disuse of the straight-air and the adoption ,o't' the indirect system, a common example ot' the latter being' the Westinghouse system.

Broadly stated, the invention contemplates the use et' a primary reservoir, an auxiliary reservoir, a brake-cylinder, and a novel main valve, controlling' by its operation the admission of air Afrom the auxiliary reservoir to the brake-cylinder` the main valve by its movement establishing' a means ot' communication therethrough or thereabout between the brake-cylinder and the auxiliary reservoir or other storage-receptacle and also serving' as a means et' exhaust when the brakes are released.

The invention further contemplates the provision et' a primary reservoir, an auxiliary or y secondary reservoir or storage-receptacle, a brake-cylinder, and automatically-operating g'ravitating' valve mechanism interposed between the auxiliary or secondary reservoir and the brake-cylinder and connected both tO the latter and the primary reservoir.

The invention further contemplates the use ot a primary reservoir, an auxiliary reservoir, a bra ke-cylimler, a main valve connected to the primary reservoir and ln'ake-cylinder,

tion bythe main valve and interposed between the latter and the auxiliary reservoir.

The invention further consists in the use ot' main valve mechanism in connection with airstorag'e devices` and a brake-cylinder wherein the movable valve elements are returned on release ot the brakes to normal position by g'ravitating movement and air impact directly thereagainst and wherein springs are absent, except possibly to etlect a slight cushioning' operation.

The invention t'urther consists in the preferred use ot' a brakc-cylimler having` a piston therein which is returned to normal position after release ot' the brakes by air-pressure established dm'ing' its 1operation to set the brakes and without the assistance or use et a spring.

rlhe invention still further consists in the general organization otl contributing' elements, as well as the details, which will be more fully hereinafter set t'orth.

The objects and advantages ot' the present form et' direct or straight air brakes are manifold, and, among others, may be particularly mentioned the instantaneous release et' the brakes by permitting' all air within the brake-cylinder to exhaust quickly without the usual hissing' incident to a gradual exhaust whenever thepressure in the train-pipe is relieved, the provision t'or positively and rapidly applying the brakes by the use of direct or stra-ight air pressure, and maintaining' the pressure in the auxiliary cylinder or other storag'e-receptacle at a point greatly in excess ot' the pressure required for the application Ot' the brakes and completely controlling' the application ot' the air at a degree of pressure lower than a maximum pressure and proportionate to the weight and loaded condition et' the car or series ot' cars composing' a train.

ln the d rawing's, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view including' train and feeding pipes and IOO the main valve mechanism, illustrating the piston in its normal or lowered position.' Fig. 4 1s a transverse vertlcal section through the casing of the main valve mechanism, taken in` a plane at right angles to that illustrated by Fig. 3 to show the exhaust passages or ports. Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal section th rough the preferred form of brake-cylinder, showing the piston therein partially broken away. Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical section of a modified form of the main'valve.

Similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the several views.

rj he improved system includes a main reservoir 1, an auxiliary reservoir 2, both of which may be connected, as usual, to a pump on an engine and controlled as to supply and release of airthereto and therefrom by the ordinary engineers valve, and extending' from the reservoir 1 is a train-pipe 3, provided with the usual hose connections 4 and couplings, as

well as cut-off valves 5. From the auxiliary reservoir 2 a service-pipe extends and is connected, as usual, by a branch 7 with an auxiliary reservoir 8, forming a part of the brake complement of each car, all of the reservoirs 8 of the cars comprised ina train being in communication through the medium of hose connections 4, coupled at the ends of the cars and provided with cut-off Valves 10, similar to those set forth in connection with the train,

pipe 3. Operating in conjunction with each auxiliary reservoir 8 is a brake-cylinder 11,and between the said reservoir and cylinder main Valve mechanism is interposed and operative, as will be hereinafter specified, without the addition of other mechanism, also more fully hereinafter set forth. rlwo forms of the main valve mechanism are shown in the accompanying drawings, but each embodies the same principle of operation, and the preferred form, as shown by Figs. 2, 3, and 4, comprises a vertically-disposed casing 12, having a lower cap 13 threaded thereinto and provided with a central upwardly-projecting seat extension 14, having a port 15 bored therethrough and terminating at itsupper extremity in an enlargement or cavity 16, which reduces the upper contacting surface of the seat for a purpose which will presently appear. The casing 12 has an axial bore formed therein, varying in diameter ,throughout its length to provide a lower enlarged chamber 17 and an upper reduced chamber 18, between which a circumferential shoulder 19 is produced. rlhe upper end of the casing is practically closed and has a central screw-socket 20 and a central reduced upper bore 21. At opposite points ports 22 and 23 are formed in the side wall of the casing at different elevations, the port 22 communicating with the upper portion of the chamber 17 and the port 23 with the intermediate portion of the chamber 18, and at the upper terminals of the latter chamber opposite exhaust ports or openings 24 are formed and continue or lead into exhaust-passages 25, which open outwardly or to the exterior through the lower end of the casing and the cap 13. The exhaust-passages 25 are disposed in the casing 12in planes at right angles to the plane of the ports 22 and 23, and the ports 24 are positioned as set forth to overcome any possibility of escape of the air entering the casing to the exterior before the brakes have been applied and previous to release. The port 22 has a tubular connection 26 threaded thereinto and communicating with or connected to the reservoir 8, and threaded into the port 23 is a tubular connection 27, which is also attached to the brakecylinder 11. Threaded into the port'15 of the cap 13 is a tubular connection 28, which is also attached to the train-pipe 3. Secured in the socket 20 is a supplemental valve inclosure 29, having a bore 30 through the center of the lower end thereof in coincidence with the bore 21. The inclosure 29 is interiorly formed with a chamber 31, having a lower valve-seat and opening 32 communicating with an outlet-port 33, projecting through the side of the lower portion of the inclosure, and in the end of said port 33 one terminal of an air-supply pipe 34 is threaded and indirectly attached at its opposite extremity to the tubular connection 25, as clearly shown by Fig. 2. A suitable union 35 is secured in the upper end of the inclosure 29, and there` from a feed-pipe 36 extends to the upper portion of the auxiliary reservoir 8. Vertically movable in the coinciding bores 21 and 30 is a valve-stem 37 of such length that when in its lowermost position it will depend into the upper extremity of the bore in the casing 12. On the upper end of the stern a valve is secured and comprises a lower plate 38, shaped to snugly fit inthe opening 32 and between which and a top plate 39 a leather or other flexible flap 4() is firmly secured by bolts passing through the plates and iap. The maximum diameter of the lower plate 38 is less than the diameter of the flap 40, so that the perimeter of the latter may closely engage the lower wall of the chamber 31 around the opening 32. For convenience in assembling the valve and stem 37 the upper end of the latter is threaded into the valve, and the bolts connecting the plates will be located in such manner relatively to the valve stein as to prevent turning of the plates and flap. When the stem 37 is pushed upwardly, the valve carried thereby is thrown away from or elevated IOO above the openingl 32, and the bearing t'or the stem 3T, provided by the coinciding bores 21 and 30, is ot' such length as to give the stem and its valve a stable support and always cause the valve to accurately return to its seatl Vithin the casing 12 a piston-valve 41 is arranged tor tree movement and uncontrolled by a retractile spring. This valve consists of an intermediate body i2 of less diameter than the smaller chamber 18 and has a head #t3 on one end ot' a diameter equal to that ot' the chamber 1S and a head e on the opposite end having a diameter equal to that of the chamber 1T. The two heads 43 and et snugly bear against the walls ot the two chambers and are provided with packing-rings to establish an air-tight engagement thereof with the said walls. 1t will be observed that the areas otA the lower side ot' the head 41 and the upper end of the seat extension l-t differentiate by reason ot' the toi-mation ot' the cavity 16, and the purpose of such construction is to obviate the formation ot' a resisting-cushion between the head t and the seat extension 14, and thereby overcome any tendency toward the unrestricted return or gravitation ot' the piston -valve to its normal lower position. The head 43 has a central projection :t5 to engage the valve-stem 3T, the length of the stem npstanding in the casing 1Q when said stem is in its lowermost position, the extentot the projection being properly proportioned lto cause a reliable operation of the valve-stem by the piston in applying' the brakes and at a time when the ports 22 and 23 will be open to each other through the bore of the casing 12 around the body 12.

The brake mechanism as thus t'ar described may be operated with straight air without any further additions, and, as will hereinafter appear, the mechanism or controlling elements introduced between the pipe 3i and the connection 2G can be adjusted or arranged to have the air tlow unrestrictedly from the pipe 31 into the connection 26. 1t will be understood that the piston-valve and the valve-stern 3T, with its valve, t'orm primary and secondary valve mechanisms, the secondary valve mechanism being moved into open position by the operation ot' the primary valve mechanism to establish air communication from the auxiliary reservoir S through the primary valve mechanism with the brake-cylinder. Both the primary and secondary valve mechanisms have a gravitating movement and are not controlled in their operation by springs or other unreliable attachments; but, on the contrary, the air employed in setting the brakes is utilized to return the said valve mechanisms to normal closed position at'ter a release of the brakes i is eliected. 1t will also be noted that the outletport Q3 is materially larger than the inlet-port 22, and when the piston-valve 41 is in position to establish communication between the said ports through the bore ot' the casing 12 the up- 4per portion o't' the port Q3 will be located cornparatively close to the lower end ot the head 43, and the projection 45 will then be at its full height and the exhaust-ports 24 shut out from communication with the port Q3. Then the piston-valve 41 moves upwardly in the casing to establish communication between the ports .22 and Q3, the air is held between the two heads, so that when the brakes are released the said piston-valve will be given a downward initial impulse sutiicient to overcome any air resistance and canse the said piston-valve to quickly operate to establish communication ot' the port 23 with the exhaust-ports 21. The relative proportions of the primary and secondary valve mechanism and the corresponding' positions of the ports 22 and 23 to eti'ect an accuracy in operation, as well as a quick response when the air is both applied and shut ott' to respectively set and release the brakes, are more clearly detined by Fig. 3, which shows the valve mechanism in normal orclosed position` and every precaution has been taken toinsure a positive operation both in applying the air and shutting otll the same without depending upon the use otl springs or other unreliable retractile means.

ln applying the brakes by the system thus t'ar described the engineer or other trainman opens the valve in connection with the trainpipe and the air enters the lower end of the casing 1Q, and immediately the pistonvalve Lt1 is raised or pushed upwardly, and the projection et contacts with the lower end ot the stem 3T and lifts the valve en the latter to clear the opening 3Q, and tlms permit air to pass from the auxiliary 8 through the pipe 36, inclosure 29, and pipe 34 to the connection 26 and through the bore ot' the valvecasing around the reduced body 42 of the piston-valve 41, which will then be in position to establish communication between the ports 2Q and Q3. The air passes through the outlet-port 23 into the brake-cylinder 11 and operates the piston in the latter to set the brakes, as will be readily understood. Vhen the train-pipe 3 is relieved ot' air by closing the engineer-s valve,the piston-valve 41 will immediately gravitate to normal position in view of the increased dimensions ot' the head @te relatively to the head 43, and this gravitating movement ot' the piston-valve will be facilitated by the air between the heads exerting a downward pressure on the head 41. this air-pressure between the heads being maintained as long as the valve on the stem 37 is elevated above its seat, and though the descent ot' the piston-valve is instantaneous the air-pressure between the heads 43 and 44 is fully exerted until the head 43 shall have descended low enough to permit the valve on the stem 3T to be t'orced to its seat, and at such time the lower head et will be in contact with the top surface ot' the seat extension 14 and the head IOO IIO

IIS

43 will be below the port 23. As soon as the head 43 lowers below the port 23 the brakevcylinder is quickly exhausted through the ports 24 and all air from the brake-cylinder will immediately escape without the usual hissing incident to a gradual exhaust. This rapid. exhaust will result in the return to normal position of the piston within the brakecylinder and a release of the brake-shoes from the car-wheels without the least delay. When the piston-valve descends and permits the stem 37 to lower, the latter and its valve are rapidly forced down by the pressure of air on the latter valve coming through pipe 36 from the auxiliary reservoir. The air exerting a downward pressure on the flap 40 will cause said flap to be tightly pressed against the bottom wall of the chamber 31 around the opening 32 and prevent any leakage whatever through the said opening.

Fig. 6 shows a modified form of the main valve, which consists of a casing 46, having an axial bore 47 of equal diameter throughout its length. The bottom 48 of the casing has a central enlargement 49, with a screwthreaded opening 50 extending' therethrough and provided with an upper enlargement or cavity 51 similar to the cavity 16, heretofore described. On the upper end of the casing 46 a cap `52 is secured and supports a secondary valveinclosure similar to the inclosure -29, heretoforedescribed, and having the same reference-numerals applied thereto. A stop 53 is formed with the cap 52 and projects downwardly into the bore 47, and surrounding the said stop is a buffer-spring 54. The secondary valve in this instance is similar to that heretofore described, and the stern 37 is movably positioned in coinciding bores 55 and 56, extending centrally through the stop 53 and in the lower portion of the valve inclosure 29, the stem 37 having' a valve on the upper end thereof of a construction heretofore fully set and coperating' with the lower seat to control the passage of air from an auxiliary chamber eventually through the main valve. At opposite points the casing 46 has air inlet and outlet ports respectively designated by the numerals 57 and 58 and which will be connected up similar to the main valve. (Shown by Fig. 2.) Mounted to freely move in the bore 47 is a piston-valve 59, snugly fitting against the wall of the bore and having suitable packing-rings at opposite ends to insure the formation of an air-tight structure. The valve 59 is pierced by an inclined diametrical port 60, which when the valve is at one limit of its movement establishes communication between the ports 57 and 58 and permits the air from the auxiliary reservoir to escape through the port 58 to the interior of the brake-cylinder for the purpose of actuating the piston in the latter. Vhen the piston-Valve 59 is in normal position, the port 60 will have its opposite extremities respectively below the ports 57 and 58, and air communication will thereby be shut off from the said ports. The bufferspring 54 prevents the valve from pounding against the stop 53 and also acts in a measure to force the valvedownwardly when the air-pressure is relieved from the lower end of the valve by shutting olf the air in the train-pipe. To maintain the valve 59 in true position in the casing, so that the opposite extremities of the port' 60 will always accurately register with the ports 57 and 58, a guide-rod 61 extends upwardly from the valve and moves in a guid e-bore 62 in the stop 53 and cap 52 to one side of the bore 55. The operation of this modified form of the valve is similar to that heretofore described with the exception that the air does not come as fully into the operation of receding or returning the valve to normal position.

Another important feature in the improved brake system is the absence of spring mechanism in the brake-cylinder and the replacement of such mechanism for returning the piston to normal position when the brakes are released by air-pressure, so disposed during the movement of the piston in applying the brakes that it will automatically operate on the release of the brakes to return the piston to normal position. The brake-cylinderv 11 is formed with an enlarged member 61 and a smaller member 62, and therein is slidably mounted a piston 63, having an enlarged head 64, movable in the member 61, and a smaller head 65, movable in the member 62, the heads being' connected by an intermediate reduced body 66 to provide a chamber between the heads 64 and 65. Opening through the head 64 is a passage 69, having an angular branch 68 opening out through the body 66 between the heads 64 and 65, the outlet of the branch 68 being covered by a gravitating-valve 69 with a weighted free end and a stop 70 adjacent to its pivotal point to obstruct any tendency to overthrow of the same. When air is applied to set the brakes and enters the brake-cylinder, it forces the piston 63 forwardly to actuate a piston-rod 70, connected to the brake-lever, as will be readily understood. During the forward movement of the piston a part of the air will enter the chamber formed around the body of the piston between the heads 64 and 65, and this entrance of the air into the chamber confined between the piston-heads will continue until an equilibrium of pressure is instituted in'the space between the heads of the piston and in the enlarged member 61 of the cylinder. 1t will be understoodv that the piston is moving forward during this operation and that the passage of the air into the space or chamber formed between the piston-heads does not in the least detract from the operation of the piston as an entirety by reason of the greater area of IOO IIS

IZO

the head 6st providing an increased'air-impacting surface. Then the brakes are released or the air shut olf from the train-pipe and the air behind the head 64e exhausts, the pressure of the air within the space or chamber between the heads 6% and 65 will become effective against the front side ofthe head 64 and force the piston rearwardly to normal position and immediately release the lnake-shoes from the car-wheels.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of means for supplying air to the brake-cylinder at pressure much lower than in the auxiliary reservoir or other receptacle, so that the air may be stored at an abnormally high pressure, and reduced in transit to the brake-cylinder, so that adetermined standard pressure, which may be termed the maximum,7 and a pressure less than the maximum may be exerted on the said cylinder. 1t is well known that cars in loaded condition or varying in weight should have a different braking-pressure used in connection therewith. In other words, in a train to be made up of loaded and light cars, the braking'- pressure necessary for use on the loaded cars would be injurious on the light cars and produce what isknown as flat wheel and otherwise strain and injure the light car structure. Means lare therefore included in the improved system for equalizing the air-pressure and applying' it proportionately to the weight ofthe car and comprises two valve-casings 7l and 72, each havingl a screw-cap 73 with a dependingstop T4, surrounded by a spring 75, which is securely held in place. The bottom of each casing is closed by a screw-plate or bottom cap 76. having a threaded opening T7 at one side of the center thereof and a guide-plug TS at a diametrical point formed with a vertical guide-socket T9. yVithin cach casing is mounted a freely-movable piston 80, having a bore Sl extending diametrically therethrough and provided with }')acking-rings at the ends to insure an air-tight engagement thereof with the interior of the casing or valve-chamber wall. Depending from the lower end of the piston 8l) is a guide pin or rod which freely slides in the socket 'T9 and maintains the piston in true position to hold the bore 8l in constant coinciding relation with opposite ports S3 and Si in the casing Tl. rlhe upper end of the piston bears against the lower extremity of the spring T5. and the piston is normally down, so that the bore 8l thereof is in alinement or coincides with the ports 83 and 8l. As before indicated` the structure in both valve-casings T1 and T2 is precisely the same; but the springs therein are of different tension, so that the valve-casing and its parts nearest the main or controllingl valve casing 12 and designated by the letter A is set for'maximum pressure and the remaining valve B is adjusted for a pressure below the maximum. rlhe maximum-valve mechanism A is attached to the casiiig l2 by the tubular connection 26, which coincides with the port 83, and both valve-casings are rendered communicating by an intermei'liate tubular connection The port Si of the valve mechanism B has a pipe 86 attached thereto and running to the pipe 3l, and secured to the lower elbow of the pipe S6 is a test-cock Si', which may also be used, if found necessary, to relieve the pipe 86 and parts intimate therewith of water of condensation. Each of the valve-casing Tl and T2 has a pair of drain-ports 8T at diametri l.ally opposite points thereof and incline downwardly, the inner 'highest terminals of the said drainports being above the upper end of the piston 8() when the latter is in its lower normal position. These drain-ports 87 may also serve at times to relieve the valve-casings of air that might accumulate to a limited extent above the pistons; but this service is secondary in view of the advantages of drainage of moisture from the interior of the casings. Connected to the bottom cap T6 and engaging the threaded opening TT are pipes 8S and 89, one for each casing, and run and are attached to any suitable three-way valve 90, from which a pipe 91 also extends to the rear end of the brakecylinder 11, or that end of the cylinder adjacentto the enlarged head (il ofthe cylinder-piston. The three-way valve establishes communication with one or both of the pressureregulating or controlling-valve mechanisms and the brake-cylinder, or both valve mechanisms may be thrown out of communication with the brake-cylinder by a further movement or adjustment of the three-way valve 90. 'hen the valve mechanisms A and B are thrown out of communication relatively to the brake-cylimler, the pistons 80 thereof are in normal position and the bores 8l are in alinement with the connections 26 b5 and the pipe S6, so that the air when permitted to do so will flow directly through the pistons S0 into the main-valve casing l2. Each car will be equipped with the mechanism shown by Fig. Q in addition to the usual auxiliary reservoir, and by this means the brake pressure can be regulated proportionately to the weight of the car, and, furtlu'a'more, if the brakes are set for operation by a maximum pressure-say of forty-live pounds --and the, pressure in the brake-cylinder exceeds such maximum the piston in the maximum valve mahanism A will be forced upwardly and shut off the liow of air until the release is effected. This will avoid injury to the car-wheels and other car structures or paris; but the most important advantage of the air-pressure equalizing or controlling mechanism set forth is the provision for applying a braking pressure proportionate to the weight of the car, whether it be loaded or light. The valve mechanism IOO ` in other loaded cars in the same train, and on and supplying air from a common source is B will come into active part in carrying out i this advantage, and the spring 7 5 thereof will be set for a pressure below that of the spring in the valve mechanism A-or, say, twenty poundsto accommodate a light car, and in this event the valve mechanism A will be shut out of communication with the brake-'cylinder and the valve mechanism B remain alone in communication with such cylinder. Under these conditions the light cars in a train having the valve mechanism B in communication With the brake-cylinder will operate to regulate the brakingpressure or hold the pressure of the air down to twenty pounds braking force without interfering with the maximum braking pressure that may be required these latter cars the valve mechanism A will be in sole communication with the brake-cylinders. It will be seen in the operation of these regulating valve mechanisms that the air will How back from the brake-cylinder through the pipe 91 to the three-way valve 90 and through the latter be directed to either of the mechanisms A or B that may be in communication with the said cylinder. As soon as the maximum pressure in the brake-cylinder is overreached or the maximum or less than the maximum pressure for which the valve mechanism B may be set is obtained the piston 8O will rise against the resistance of the spring and check the iiow of air, as will be readily understood.

As a convenient attachment the main valves in both forms shown will have drain-bores 92 formed therein at a suitable elevation above the bottoms of the bores therein, and connected with said bores are drain-cocks 93. each main valve having a single bore and cock. The reduced member 62 of the brake-cylinder will also have an opening 94 formed in the lower portion ot the forward end thereof to permit water of condensation to pass outwardly therefrom.

In some instances it is proposed to have each car-reservoir capable of receiving the necessary air-pressure from a common storage source that may be filled at intervals or at stations where the engine takes water or coal. For this purpose the reservoirs will be equipped with supply cocks or nozzles, to which air-conveying pipes may be attached, and air stored in these reservoirs which will have a pressure far in excess of that required in applying brakes. This mode of storing made possible in the present system by the use ot' the air-pressure controlling or equalizing valves A and B in View of the fact that said valves will automatically regulate the airpressure applied and keep it within the determined maximum or reduce the pressure to accommodate a light car.

Having thus fully described the invention,

what is claimed as new is- 1. In an air-brake system, the combination l l witha main reservoir, a train-pipe, an auxiliary reservoir, and a brake-cylinder, of a controlling-valve located in the line of communication between the auxiliary reservoir and brake-cylinder, means for leading air from the train-pipe to open the valve, a pipe extending from the auxiliary reservoir to a part of the controlling-valve, and asecondary valve operative to open position by the movement of the controlling-valve to establish air communication With the latter from the auxiliary reservoir.

2. In a brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, ot' a controlling-valve, a secondary valve operative to open position by the movement of the controlling-valve to establish air communication between the latter and the reservoir, and means t'or directing a fluid-pressure alternately against the opposite ends of the controlling-valve.

3. In a' brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of a controlling-valve casing provided with inlet and outlet ports located at different distances from the end of the casing and leading, respectively, by connections, to the reservoir and brake-cylinder, avalve movable in the casing to establish communication between said ports, the casing also having' an exhaust means at its upper extremity above the valve, and a secondary valve operative to open position by the valve in the said casing to establish air communication between the reservoir and brake-cylinder through the casing whereby air will be admitted from the interior of the brake-cylinder to the upper end ofthe controlling-valve casing just prior to the opening of the exhaust-port to drive the controllingvalve quickly to its closed position and thereby eiiect an instantaneous exhaust.

4. In an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir, a brake-cylinder, and a trainpipe, ot' a controlling-valve casing provided with exhaust ports communicating at the lower terminals with the atmosphere through the bottom of the casing and at their upper terminals with the upper part of the interior of said casing, means of communication between the opposite ends of the controllingvalve respectively with the brake-cylinder and the train-pipe, the said casing also having communication at an intermediate point With the reservoir, and a controlling-valve within said casing disposed in one position to establish communication between the reservoir and brake-cylinder and in another position to provide communication between the brake-cylinder and the exhaust-ports, the said controlling-valve having heads at opposite extremities and an intermediate passage means.

5. In an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir, and a brake-cylinder, of an intermediate controlling-valve casing, a valve IOO IIO

therein, and a compression-chamber located in the upper end'ot' the casing, said casing being provided with inlet and outlet ports, the upper end of the valve in the open position thereot' being located slightly above the upper edge ot' the outlet-port` whereby the initial retractile movement ot' the valve will be ettected through the medimn ot' the air in the compression-chamber and continued movement thereof by fluid-pressure supplied by the air escaping' back into the casing from the brake-cylimler.

6. ln an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir, and a brake-cylinder, ot' an intermediate controlling-valve casing, a valve therein, and a compression-chamber located in the upper end ot' the casing, said casing being provided with inlet and outlet ports, and said valve by its movement establishing' communication between the ports, the upperendotl the valve in the open position thereof being located above the upper edge of the outletport, whereby the retractile movement ot the valve will be etlected through the medium ot' the air in the compression-chamber and continued movement thereof by fluid-pressure applied bv the air escaping back into the casing from the brake-cylinder, the casing having exhaust-ports located in position to be opened at a time subsequent to the admission otl the air 'from the brake-cylinder to the upper end ot' the valve-casing` T. ln an air-brake system, the combination with an auxiliary reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of a controlling-valve casing in the line ot communication between the reservoir and cylinder, said casing being' provided with inlet and outlet ports located out of alinement and with exhaust-ports, a reciprocating' valve in said casinghaving' intermediate means for establishing communication between the said inlet and outlet ports, means for admitting air under pressure to one end ot' the casing to move the valve to its open position, and means 'for sumdying air to the casing trom the anxiliary reservoir operated by the said valve.

8. ln a brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, ot a controlling-valve casing having inlet and outlet ports at ditlerent distances from its ends and exhaust-ports communicating with the upper portion ot the interior thereot', the inlet and outlet ports being' in communication respectively with the reservoir and brake-cylinder, and a controlling-valve within the said casing having heads at opposite extremities and intermediate passage means to establish communication between the inlet and outlet ports.

9. ln a brake system, the combination with a reservoir` a brake-cylinder, andan intermediate controlling-valve casing, ot' a pipe connection between the valve-casing and brakecylinder, a second pipe connection disposed in a lower plane and eecting a communication between the casing and reservoir, and a valve movable in the casing and having' heads at opposite extremities and intermediate passage means tor establishing communication with the reservoir and brake-cylinder.

10. Aln an ai r-brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, ot' a primary valve mechanism connected to said reservoir and cylinder and havingl a valve slidably mounted therein, and a secondary valve mechanism having a valve operative by the valve ot' the primary mechanism to open communication between said primary mechanism and the reservoir.

11. ln an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of a primary valve mechanismv having a sliding gravitating valve therein, and a 'secondary valve mechanism having a valve member operative by the valve ot' the primary mechanism and controllingcommunication ot' the latter with the reservoir, the said valve member being positioned to be forced to its seat by the air-pressure from the reservoir.

1Q. In av brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, ot a primary valve mechanism having a sliding valve therein and connected to the reservoir and cylinder, means t'or supplying air to the bottom otl the said mechanism, and a secondary valve mechanism having a valve operative by the valve otthe primary mechanism and controlling communication ot' the latter with the reservoir, the said valve ot' the secondary mechanism being provided with a flexible tlap which is forced againstits seat bythe air-pressure from the reservoir.

13. 1n a brake system, the combination with a reservoir and brake-cylinder, otl a primary valve mechanism connected to the reservoir and brake-cylinder and provided with means tor controlling the admission ot' air trom the reservoir into the cylinder, a secondary valve mechanism having a valve operative to open position by the primary valve niechanism, and tubular connections between the secondary valve mechanism and the reservoir and the primary and secondary valve mechanisms.

M. ln an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, o'ta main valve mechanism connected to the cylinder and reservoir and having ports therein at different elevations to estabhsh such connection, a secondary valve mechanism interposi-d between the reservoir and main valve mechanism, means for supplying air to the main valve mechanism tor initially operating the latter previous to the admission of air thereto from the reservoir, and a pressure-regulating valve mechanism also interposed between the main valve mechanism and the reservoir.

l5. In an air-brake system, the combination with an auxiliary reservoir, a Inain reservoir,

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a train-line having the usual pumping connections and controlling-valve, and a brake-cylinder, otl a primary valve mechanism with upper and lower ports connected respectively to the said cylinder and auxiliary reservoir, said mechanism also having a reciprocating valve therein with an intermediate means for establishing communication between the ports, means for supplying air to the lower part of the valve mechanism from the train-line, and a secondary valve mechanism interposed between the auxiliary reservoir and the primary valve mechanism and having a valve member operative by the movement of the valve in the primary mechanism.

16. In an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir, and a brake-cylinder, of a main valve-casing located in the line of communication between the reservoir and cylinder, said casing being provided with inlet and outlet ports located out of alinement and also with exhaust-ports communicating with the upper interior portion of the casing, a reciprocating valve in said casing having intermediate means for establishing communication between the said ports, the upper end of the valve being below the points of communication with the interior of the casing oi' the exhaust-ports, means for admitting' air under pressure to one end of the casing to move the valve to its open position, and means for admitting air into the interior of the casing under the control of the said reciprocating valve.

17. In an air-brake system. the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of a primary valve mechanism arranged in the line of communication between the reservoir and cylinder and including a casing having ports leading to the reservoir and cylinder and with exhaust-ports, and a reciprocating valve to establish communication between the said ports, a train-pipe communicating withy the casing to supply Huid under pressure for moving the valve in one direction to set up communication between the reservoir and cylinder, and means for releasing the brakes and permitting the valve to be moved down to normal position by air-pressure.

18. In anv air-brake system, the combination with a main reservoir, several auxiliary reservoirs, and several brake-cylinders, of means for storing air in the reservoirs, a pipe having communication with the main reservoir and with each of the auxiliary reservoirs, a primary valve-casing arranged in the line ot' communication between each auxiliary reservoir andits brake-cylinder, atrain-line in communication with the several valve-casings, and reciprocating valves in the casings arranged to be moved by straight-air pressure to their open position to establish communication between the auxiliary reservoirs and brake-cylinders.

19. In an air-brake system, the combination with a main reservoir, an auxiliary reservoir, and a brake-cylinder, of a primaryvalve mechanism controlling communication between the auxiliary reservoir and the brake-cylinder, and means for directing' straight-air pressure into the primary valve mechanism, against the valve in the latter to move it to its open position to establish communication between the auxiliary reservoir and the brake-cylinder to supply air from said auxiliary reservoir to the cylinder.

20. In an air-brake system, the combination with an auxiliary reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of a primary valve-casing having lower and upper ports respectively connected to the said reservoir and cylinder, and also provided with upper exhaust-ports, a reciprocating valve mounted in the said casing and having a lower enlarged extremity, means for supplying air to the lower part of the casing to initially operate the valve, and a secondary valve mechanism arranged in operative relation to the primary mechanism and controlling communication of the reservoir with the said primary mechanism, said secondary mechanism including a valve having a stem movable downwardly into the primary mechanism for engagement with the valve in the latter mechanism.

Q1. In an air-brake system, the combination with an auxiliary reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of a primary valve mechanism to control communication between the said reservoir and cylinder', and a secondary valve mechanism to control communication of the reservoir with the primary mechanism and comprising a stem movable into and actuated by the primary mechanism, said stem having a valve thereon with a flexible liap which is pressed to its seat by the air-pressure from the auxiliary reservoir.

22. In an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir and a brake-cylinder, of means interposed between the reservoir and cylinder for controlling the supply of air to the cylinder, and a piston in the brake-cylinder having heads of different diameters with an intermediate reduced body to form an air-space, the said body having an air-passage extending therethrough'and controlled by an outwardlyopening valve to permit a portion of the air for actuating the piston to pass into the said space to returnl the piston to normal position after the brakes are released..

23. In an air-brake system, the combination with a reservoir, a brake-cylinder, and means for controlling the supply of air from the reservoir to the cylinder, of a piston in the cylinder having an intermediate air-space, and

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means for permitting a part of the air for ac- Q4. In an air-brake System, the combination In testimony whereof I aix my signature in with a reselivoir, a brake-cylinder, and meas presence of two witnesses. for contro ing' communication between t e reservoir and cylinder, of a piston in theeyl- WILLIAM VILLIAMS 5 inder having' means for receiving' air fed to Vitnesses:

the cylinder to return the piston to normal ALTHEA D. BRADLEY, position when the brakes are released. MARY YEARSLEY. 

